Golf game

Abstract

A golf game comprises a base which is formed as a ramp covered with a carpet to simulate the green of a golf course. A ball is tethered by means of cord to the control stick of a joystick controller. A "pull-to-close" switch is incorporated in the cord so that data on the position of the control stick when the cord is taut can be fed to a computer in order to calculate the trajectory and distance of a drive. Putting practice can be obtained by use of a free ball which is putted into a hole formed in the base and provided with a microswitch which closes when the ball enters the hole. A computer program for game play or practice is described.

I claim: 
     
       1. A golf game comprising a ball tethered to a pivotable control means of a controller, first switch means incorporated in the tethering means, processing means and display means, the arrangement being such that when the tethering means is taut, as at a point during the drive of the ball, the first switch means is triggered to cause data on the position of the control means to be fed to the processing means which determines the trajectory and distance of the drive and displays this information on the display means. 
     
     
       2. A game according to claim 1, wherein the first switch means is `pull-to-close` contact switch. 
     
     
       3. A game according to claim 1, wherein the pivotable control means is a control stick of a joystick controller. 
     
     
       4. A game according to claim 1, wherein the ball is tethered by means of a cord. 
     
     
       5. A game according to claim 4, wherein the cord is non-elastic. 
     
     
       6. A game according to claim 4, wherein the length of the cord is such that the normal trajectory of the ball is not unnecessarily restricted during the drive. 
     
     
       7. A game according to claim 1, comprising a base simulating a green on a golf course formed with a hole and provided with second switch means which is triggered to send a signal to the processing means when the ball contacts it upon entry into the hole. 
     
     
       8. A game according to claim 7, wherein the processing means includes a timer which is initiated when the ball is struck. 
     
     
       9. A game according to claim 8, wherein the timer is stopped when the first or second switch means is closed or triggered. 
     
     
       10. A game according to claim 8, wherein the timer is initiated by a third switch means which is closed or triggered when the ball on it is removed. 
     
     
       11. A game according to claim 7, wherein the processing means is arranged to determine the length of the remaining putt or drive and display this information on the display means. 
     
     
       12. A game according to claim 7, wherein the processing means determines a score for the number of drives made and the number of successful putts where the ball is holed and the time taken for the putting operation. 
     
     
       13. A game according to claim 1 or claim 7, comprising a fourth switch means to allow a player to interact with the processing means at the start of the play.